Matrixston Wow! Such a good movie.

JinRoz For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

Nessieldwi Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

fran_262 Before seeing the film, I knew absolutely nothing about it other than it was released in the 80s, and reflected the 'cinéma du look'- an 80s film movement. My first impressions were that style had been perhaps over-emphasised in order to smokescreen a less-than-intriguing plot, but later on I found the film to develop many relevant and pertinent themes, such as gender, social class, and national identity. Music played a significant part the film, and the director played around with both diegetic and non-diegetic music. I had heard Subway compared to Drive by an acquaintance, but I found few similarities myself other than the use of synthesised music, and in terms of camera use, several close-ups of characters' expressions to show emotions and the building of relationships. The film depicts the 'underground culture' of the metro, where Fred meets many colourful characters, many of whom do not serve the plot, but bring humour to the film. In terms of class, we see a distinct contrast between the bourgeoisie characters, and the habitants of the metro, with the character of Helena sliding from one to the other. Interestingly in terms of gender, the metro appears to be portrayed as a 'mans space', and Helena is later shown as a strong woman, who makes her own decisions. It is said that Luc Besson mixed genres for a playful effect and for reasons of style over cinematographic statement, and references to popular culture, such as the mention of Batman and Robin. The ending is rather ambiguous, we are left wondering the fate of Fred and what will happen regarding his relationship with Helena. Overall, despite a plot which is not strictly concrete or wholly intriguing, the film is enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing, with humour and romance which was pleasing to see.

Karl Self This is a pure exercise in style from the Luc Besson school of film making. A handsome gangster joins ranks with a school of dropouts who populate the Parisian subway system, hounded (but never phazed) by transportation police. The trouble is that head honcho Fred has fallen in love with the pretty but stroppy wife of one of his BCBG victims, and strife ensues below the streets of gay Paree.Christopher Lambert is amazing as the stylish rebel gangster with a heart, Fred; Isabelle Adjani is pretty but, as always, deeply annoying -- she just exudes arrogance from the bottom of her dainty little heart. On the sidelines we see an impossibly young Jean-Hugues Anglade, Jean Reno and Jean-Pierre Bacri. I actually didn't recognise Reno, that's how young and unknown he is here.If you have a deeper interest in cinema, this is a straight ten. It's amazing how Besson brings together great style, action, fun, pace, acting, dialogue and amazing characters. Unlike most directors who film in the province and try to make it look like Paris, Besson films in Paris but makes it look like Metropolis.Unfortunately, there isn't much of a plot and zilch suspense. The film starts with a heated heart-to-heart between Fred and pretty Héléna, and since we are aware that their affair can't end but unhappily (albeit in an incredibly chic way), the suspense is exactly zero. So if you just want entertainment, you should better pick one of Besson's later movies.

lost-in-limbo Truly I had no clue about what was going on in French director Luc Besson's offbeat, but terribly jerky story involving a sly safe cracker fleeing to the underground Paris Metro, after stealing some important documents off a millionaire that he would try to ransom off to. The bubblegum romantic-crime-drama premise is a washing machine filled with ideas, which are hanging off a very loose, but unpredictable plot. There's not much groundwork, but its impulsive nature, trivial gimmicks and interesting urban environment just gets you caught in the disjointed whirlwind of these strenuously adventurous situations, melancholy despair and eccentric characters. The delirious script never takes itself seriously (the humour is strong) and feels insignificant, but it sure had many awkward and lumpy exchanges. Some passages feel quite useless, and have poor continuity, but there's a certain charm that's hard to resist. The English dubbed version sounds quite terrible though. It's like Besson has thrown caution to the wind, and is experimenting with his visually sharp prowess and stylish verve to get any sort of impact and details through. His placement, pacing and overall enthusiasm is impeccable. Some action sequences, mainly the opening car chase scene is very well delivered. He draws so much form very little and never seems bounded by logic. From the get-go he storms right in and never lets the smoking composition, slick atmosphere sway off course. Brimming in is an electrifying tacky electronic / rock soundtrack (by Eric Serra) and Carlo Varini's camera-work beautifully illustrates Besson's characteristically moody framings. The worthwhile cast do an admirable job. Christopher Lambert's broodingly dry and grasping performance has an immensely hypnotic ambiance to it. An alluring Isabelle Adjani draws up an infectiously collected, and classy performance. There's enjoyably fine kooky support from Jean-Hughes Anglade, Richard Bohringer, Jean-Pierre Barcri, Michel Galabru and the always delightful Besson regular Jean Reno.Besson's "Subway" is resourcefully fun and colourful pulp, if a rather jaded experience.

Rothschild Highlander may have marked Christopher Lambert as a cult hero but Subway is by far his best role yet. I've been a fan of Lambert and I've seen the recent movies he's in and they are pale by comparison to Subway. Director Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, The Professional, The Fifth Element) originally wanted Sting for the role of Fred but couldn't do so Lambert got it...and luckily so. The film is set inside a Parisian subway train station where dwellers (including Lambert's character) conduct their own activities and it involves a woman, Helena, played by Isabelle Adjani, who is classy and mysteriously hires Fred to steal her personal files. The plot is confusing and at times pointless but nevertheless Lambert's goofy, eccentric, and spontaneous character keeps the viewer amused. I mean it's almost to a point where we believe Lambert is living the character and not acting it out. I consider this movie Euro-trash but I enjoyed Christopher Lambert as Fred, a guy who kept you on your toes and brought out the rebellious, capricious person inside you.